The new footbridge on the Presidio Coastal Trail sits between a much better-known span to the north, and rises behind concrete military batteries from 1898.

The new footbridge on the Presidio Coastal Trail sits between a much better-known span to the north, and rises behind concrete military batteries from 1898.

Photo: Jason Henry / Special To The Chronicle

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The bridge for bicyclists and pedestrians that opened in late November of 2015 is an inverted truss design that sets out, with success, to stay out of the way of visitors who come by to gaze at history and nature. less

The bridge for bicyclists and pedestrians that opened in late November of 2015 is an inverted truss design that sets out, with success, to stay out of the way of visitors who come by to gaze at history and ... more

Photo: John King / The Chronicle

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One example of the care taken in the new footbridge on the Presidio Coastal Trail -- the smooth bolts attached to the "queen posts" that provide structural heft.

One example of the care taken in the new footbridge on the Presidio Coastal Trail -- the smooth bolts attached to the "queen posts" that provide structural heft.

Photo: John King / The Chronicle

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Even the underside of the new footbridge on the Presidio Coastal Trail is stylish. Credit goes to Marta Fry Landscape Associates and the engineering firm Rutherford + Chekene, who did the schematic design. The final details and construction drawings were handled by Architectural Resources Group and SOHA Engineers. Yup, public projects are complicated. less

Even the underside of the new footbridge on the Presidio Coastal Trail is stylish. Credit goes to Marta Fry Landscape Associates and the engineering firm Rutherford + Chekene, who did the schematic design. The ... more

Photo: Jason Henry / Special To The Chronicle

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The best part of the 120-foot long, $1.1 million addition to the landscape? It understands that you don't want the effort to show. And sometimes, the best way to stand out is fit in.

The best part of the 120-foot long, $1.1 million addition to the landscape? It understands that you don't want the effort to show. And sometimes, the best way to stand out is fit in.

Photo: John King / The Chronicle

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Another new bridge in the Presidio is not nearly so distinctive: a prefabricated aluminum span installed across Tennessee Hollow near Lincoln Boulevard.

Another new bridge in the Presidio is not nearly so distinctive: a prefabricated aluminum span installed across Tennessee Hollow near Lincoln Boulevard.

Photo: John King / The Chronicle

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The footbridge across a newly opened stretch of Tennessee Hollow is 8 feet wide and 95 feet long. It cost around $300,000 to purchase and install. By comparison, the bridge on the Presidio Coastal Trail is 2 feet wider and 25 feet longer, and cost $1.1 million. less

The footbridge across a newly opened stretch of Tennessee Hollow is 8 feet wide and 95 feet long. It cost around $300,000 to purchase and install. By comparison, the bridge on the Presidio Coastal Trail is 2 ... more

Photo: John King / The Chronicle

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The prefab bridge at Tennessee Hollow arrived in two pieces. Here's how they're held together. A long way from the sleek sutures of the Presidio Coastal Trail.

The prefab bridge at Tennessee Hollow arrived in two pieces. Here's how they're held together. A long way from the sleek sutures of the Presidio Coastal Trail.

The long view of Dragonfly Creek Bridge in the Presidio -- built a few years after the Golden Gate Bridge, and an immersive experience all its own.

The long view of Dragonfly Creek Bridge in the Presidio -- built a few years after the Golden Gate Bridge, and an immersive experience all its own.

Photo: John King / The Chronicle

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Did someone say the Golden Gate Bridge? This shot's from a December visit to the area -- and a reminder that that this 1937 span looks good from any angle ...

Did someone say the Golden Gate Bridge? This shot's from a December visit to the area -- and a reminder that that this 1937 span looks good from any angle ...

Photo: John King / The Chronicle

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... and even when you can't see the 746-foot towers or the cables slung between them.

... and even when you can't see the 746-foot towers or the cables slung between them.

Photo: John King / The Chronicle

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True story: When voters in 1930 were asked to approve $35 million in bonds for the Golden Gate Bridge, there was strenuous opposition on aesthetic grounds.

True story: When voters in 1930 were asked to approve $35 million in bonds for the Golden Gate Bridge, there was strenuous opposition on aesthetic grounds.

Photo: Courtesy California Historical Society

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In the decade before the Golden Gate Bridge was built, the plan was the target of attacks from shipping companies and ferry operators.

In the decade before the Golden Gate Bridge was built, the plan was the target of attacks from shipping companies and ferry operators.

Photo: Courtesy California Historical Society

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The newest major span in the region is the eastern span of the Bay Bridge, seen here from Treasure Island on Sept. 23, 2015.

The newest major span in the region is the eastern span of the Bay Bridge, seen here from Treasure Island on Sept. 23, 2015.

Photo: Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle

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The new eastern span cost $6.4 billion, and took 15 years to become reality after the design was selected. What do we get in return? Ongoing concerns about corrosion and cracked bolts, and a sublime grace where the roadway is cradled within the white cables near Treasure Island. less

The new eastern span cost $6.4 billion, and took 15 years to become reality after the design was selected. What do we get in return? Ongoing concerns about corrosion and cracked bolts, and a sublime grace ... more

Photo: John King / The Chronicle

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Another wanna-be landmark: the Bay Lights on the original western span of the Bay Bridge. After a two-year run, they're coming back for good this month. Many people are happy about this fact. Me, not so much. less

Another wanna-be landmark: the Bay Lights on the original western span of the Bay Bridge. After a two-year run, they're coming back for good this month. Many people are happy about this fact. Me, not so ... more

Photo: John King / The Chronicle

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When it comes to 21st century spans of our timeless bay, my preference is the $188 million Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge that opened in 2003 between Crockett and Vallejo. The design concept from OPAC Consulting Engineers is understated and right. less

When it comes to 21st century spans of our timeless bay, my preference is the $188 million Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge that opened in 2003 between Crockett and Vallejo. The design concept from OPAC Consulting ... more

Photo: Paul Chinn / The Chronicle

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Engineers call the style "Pennsylvania truss," but we'll just call the Healdsburg Memorial Bridge a reminder of the days when the agriculture of the North Bay wasn't all high-priced wine. The structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011. less

Engineers call the style "Pennsylvania truss," but we'll just call the Healdsburg Memorial Bridge a reminder of the days when the agriculture of the North Bay wasn't all high-priced wine. The structure was ... more

Photo: Mel Amato

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Our region's most adventurous newcomer might be the pedestrian bridge that opened in 2005 in Ryder Park in San Mateo near the bay. The design is by Endres Ware.

Our region's most adventurous newcomer might be the pedestrian bridge that opened in 2005 in Ryder Park in San Mateo near the bay. The design is by Endres Ware.

Photo: Michael Moloney / The Chronicle

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There's a reason for the tightly contained swoop of this bridge designed by Berkeley's Endres Ware for Ryder Park in San Mateo. The surface had to be pulled high so as not to block water flows. But the top had to stay low enough not to hit electrical lines. less

There's a reason for the tightly contained swoop of this bridge designed by Berkeley's Endres Ware for Ryder Park in San Mateo. The surface had to be pulled high so as not to block water flows. But the top ... more

Robert I. Schroder Overcrossing is a column-free 240-foot leap across the busy commute path of Treat Boulevard in near Walnut Creek. The design is by Arup and Donald MacDonald. It opened in 2010.

Robert I. Schroder Overcrossing is a column-free 240-foot leap across the busy commute path of Treat Boulevard in near Walnut Creek. The design is by Arup and Donald MacDonald. It opened in 2010.

Photo: Michelle Gachet / The Chronicle

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Many forms, many functions -- the Bay Area has a bounty of bridges, and more of them deserve a second look than you might expect.

Many forms, many functions -- the Bay Area has a bounty of bridges, and more of them deserve a second look than you might expect.

Photo: John King / The Chronicle

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Which one of the Bay Area's beautiful bridges is the best?

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Back to Gallery

Say what you want about the often-conflicted architecture of the Bay Area — where buildings of recent vintage often seem apologetic for their existence — our bridges are first-rate. From the postcard splendor of you-know-what to small spans that put engineering swagger on show, the region’s range is striking.

For another take on the topic, check out my narrated slideshow down below. And if I missed a favorite — or if you don’t share my love of the Zampa Bridge or my disdain for Bay Lights — chime in with your comments.